 The San Antonio
River Walk
By MARLO MARIE MEYERSON
In a recent Saturday evening, I had occasion to enjoy a barge ride with out-of-town guests atop the sparkling green waters of the San Antonio River. As we floated along on our Rio San Antonio Cruises' guided tour, it became very apparent to me that all of us who call San Antonio home should make a concerted effort to view the River Walk with new eyes.
Instead of taking this incredible place for granted, we should soak up its ambiance, revel in its glories and sing its praises. The cobblestone walkways, arched foot bridges and sidewalk cafes of Robert H.H. Hugmann's dreams have come to life, remarkably resembling his original architectural renderings of the 1920s and '30s. Today, as the centerpiece of the city, the River Walk has earned the distinction of being one of the most visited places in the country.
 While on board, another thought occurred to me, a major league pearl of wisdom that I willingly share with one and all. Here it is: Without a doubt, the San Antonio River Walk is America's Most Beautiful Restaurant District. I may not be the first to think or say this, but that doesnÕt matter. The truth is, with somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 restaurants up, down and above its storied banks, the River Walk has evolved into an urban architectural masterpiece of grand proportion.
Casa Rio Mexican Restaurant was the first business to open its doors to the river in 1946. This historic eatery actually inaugurated the use of boats in varying forms to attract visitors. Canoes, gondolas and paddleboats preceded the use of barges. Casa Rio literally shaped the future of the River Walk through its ingenuity and pioneering spirit. For two decades, it stood virtually alone as the standard-bearer of things to come.
In 1968 , significant growth came to the river with the addition of the Hilton Palacio Del Rio Hotel and La Mansion Hotel (originally La Posada). Spurred by HemisFair '68, our world's fair, these upscale lodging establishments gave the river area needed momentum. Little Rhein Steak House also opened at that time, featuring a picturesque terraced back patio cascading to the river. Its sister restaurant, The Fig Tree, began operations next door shortly thereafter. Add to these the arrival of Kangaroo Court (on the river for over 30 years), Michelino's and Lone Star Cafe, along with La Paloma del Rio (opened in 1966 - now Paloma River Walk), and the river was rolling. From the late '70s to today, an additional 14 hotels have taken up residence on the waterway, plus one restaurant after another.
 Not only is the River Walk a visual treat, but a culinary one as well. Some of the city's finest cuisine is served at its restaurants. Here's proof: The aforementioned Little Rhein has on several occasions been rated as one of the finer steak houses in Texas. The Fig Tree is a Distinguished Restaurant of North America Award winner. Joe Cosniac, one of the cityÕs most successful restaurateurs, has chosen to have three restaurants on the river: Paesano's, Zuni Grill and Rio Rio Cantina.
Super chefs Bruce Auden (Biga On The Banks), Scott Cohen (Las Canarias in La Mansion and Pesca in The Watermark) and Andrew Weissman of Le Rve are River Walkers of note and proud possessors of stars, diamonds and high ratings galore from the Michelins, AAAs and Zagats of this world. Another well-respected long-timer is Boudro's - A Texas Bistro on the River Walk, owned by Randy Mathews and Richard Higby. I could go on, but the point is made.
Some of the latest fine dining additions to AmericaÕs Most Beautiful Restaurant District include Citrus and Acenar in Hotel Valencia, Las Ramblas in Hotel Contessa and Iron Cactus Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar on the river level of the newly renovated Aztec Theatre.
From 1946 to 2006, things have certainly changed on the San Antonio River Walk. Come. See. Enjoy.
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